Fashion in South Africa is on an all-time high and it’s refreshing to see how designers are using our country’s many rich themes and colours to reflect our diversity as Africans.
One brand which is helping to shape South Africa’s fashion identity is Sun Goddess owned by fashion entrepreneurs, Vanya Mangaliso and her husband, Thando.
Sun Goddess couture has been described as “a celebration and a reflection of the cultures we were born into.”
It also boasts a client base of TV production houses, music videos, renowned MC’s, music awards organizers, events companies, and high profile media personalities both locally and internationally.
Judging by Vanya’s keen sense of fashion, which was inspired by her grandmother, it’s no surprise that this unique brand has been such a hit overseas from London to India.
A headstrong businesswoman and a mother of four, she has the uncanny ability to balance traditional and contemporary values and thrive in the competitive world of fashion.
Introducing gsport’s March Style Star, proud Xhosa wife and fashion boss, Vanya Mangaliso.
When did you launch Sun Goddess?
We launched Sun Goddess in 2000, with the idea of celebrating and preserving our South African heritage through clothes. We were driven by a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the reconstruction of the SA identity, post-1994.
What is your vision for the brand?
We aim to be one of Africa’s leading luxury, lifestyle brands to world class standards.
Internationally, what has the reaction been to Sun Goddess?
We’ve had the honour of being invited to shows on many international platforms.
In general, we have enjoyed good response to our unique work. The world is interested in what SA has to offer.
How would you describe the standard of fashion in South Africa?
Creatively, the industry is thriving with great opportunities and we have a SA fashion identity to speak of, with a unique role to play globally. The business side of fashion is still in its infancy. Structures need to be set up.
Where have you had the privilege of showcasing your designs?
We have had the privilege of showing on platforms like Lakme India Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Acapulco Fashion Week, Singapore Fashion Week and Stockholm Fashion Week.
We have also been to places like Holland at the Global Fashion Local Tradition Exhibition, Madagascar, Korea, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria and the USA.
Where did your love for fashion come from?
As a child, I was always intrigued by fashion. As I grew older, I developed an interest in the significance of fashion in relation to how it shapes our identity.
What is your favourite item of clothing?
I have seasonal preferences, but my all time favorite item would have to be a green Mbhaco (Xhosa traditional skirt) that used to belong to my Mother. It’s probably at least 30 years old.
How would you define your style?
I’d describe my style as South African, traditional, meaningful and possibly conservative.
Where do you shop for clothes?
I wear Sun Goddess exclusively.
What’s the strangest outfit you’ve ever worn?
Everything I wore before I began designing my own clothes, I’d definitely rate as strange.
Which designers do you admire?
I work with a group of really talented designers like Asanda Madyibi, Thato Modisakeng and Balekwa Nazo to name a few.
Who is your style icon?
My late grandmother, a simple rural woman, remains the most influential style icon in my life.
Advice for aspiring fashion designers?
What are your music tastes?
Bob Marley, Madosini and Fela Kuti rock!
Favourite colour?
I have two: brown and black.
What is your favourite sport?
I am a yoga enthusiast and I enjoy watching my husband horse-riding.
How do you relax?
Spending time with my family- I am a proud mother of four.
How do you balance your life as a businesswoman and wife?
Work is a natural extension of my home-life. With a lot of priority-planning and solid support structures, I manage well.
What does it mean to be an African woman in these exciting times?
It’s an honour to be a Xhosa wife and mother and still be able to entertain my cultural, entrepreneurial ambitions. With so many opportunities in our country, the possibilities of what I can achieve are endless.
Still to achieve?
My husband often says that in our industry, we are only as good as the last garment sold or our last show.
There is always room for improvement and innovation. We aspire to excellence and to building a strong legacy.
Photo 1 Caption: Described as “a celebration and a reflection of the cultures we were born into,” Sun Goddess couture owned by fashion entrepreneurs, Vanya Mangaliso and her husband, Thando, is one brand which is helping to shape South Africa’s fashion identity.
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